Kenmore 25360412612 refrigerator Parts

Your Kenmore refrigerator’s model number is printed on the serial plate inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment. For Kenmore model 25360412612, the Use & Care Guide also notes you should clean that serial plate with only soap and water; once you find it, write the model and serial down for parts and service reference.

Check these common spots on Kenmore top-mount refrigerators:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment on a serial plate (most common)
• On an inside side wall near the top front
• On the wall behind the lower crisper drawers (you may need to slide drawers out)
• Along the door frame area inside the refrigerator compartment
• Behind the lower front kickplate or grille (on some builds)

For model-specific guidance and diagrams, use the owner's manual.

Many Kenmore refrigerators use a model format that starts with 253. followed by more digits. On your label, you may see a dot (example: 253.60412612) or it may be printed without the dot (example: 25360412612). Both refer to the same model family.

The exact model number ensures you get the right-fit parts (like a door gasket, evaporator fan motor, or ice maker) and the correct instructions for your refrigerator’s configuration.

If you are ordering parts, start with the parts list for 25360412612 on this page; for broader model searches, use Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore refrigerator model 25360412612, the 5Y EF (or SY EF) code points to a problem in the evaporator fan circuit, which means the freezer evaporator fan is not running correctly or the control is not sensing it properly. Use the troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual to confirm the checks for your exact configuration.

• Power reset: Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.
• Freezer airflow: Make sure packages are not blocking the rear freezer vents.
• Door closure: Confirm the freezer door closes fully and the gasket is sealing.
• Frost buildup: Look for heavy frost on the freezer back wall (a defrost issue can stop airflow).
• Fan noise: Listen for a fan running when the compressor is on (often audible from the freezer).

If the code returns after the quick checks, these are the most common causes on top-mount refrigerators:

The evaporator fan pulls air across the evaporator coil and circulates cold air through the freezer and fresh food section. When the fan circuit fails, temperatures drift, food spoils faster, and the compressor can run longer than normal.

If you see damaged wiring, the fan does not run even after a reset, or you suspect a sealed-system issue, schedule service. For DIY part ordering, use the parts list for model 25360412612 on this page or search by model at Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Kenmore top-mount refrigerator like model 25360412612, the top compartment is the freezer compartment. It is designed to keep foods frozen and also supplies cold air that helps cool the fresh food (refrigerator) section below.

In most top-mount designs, the freezer area includes the components that manage freezing and airflow into the refrigerator section.

• Freezer shelves or bins for frozen food storage
• An air outlet or duct that sends cold air down to the fresh food section
• A temperature control or air control (depending on design)
• An optional ice maker (if equipped)
• Door gaskets that seal the compartment to prevent warm air leaks

Knowing the correct compartment name helps when you are troubleshooting cooling problems, checking door sealing, or ordering the right replacement parts for your Kenmore 25360412612.

If you are diagnosing temperature or door-seal issues, these steps help quickly narrow the cause:

• Confirm the freezer and fresh food controls are set correctly (see the owner's manual).
• Make sure the refrigerator is level so doors close freely.
• Check that door seals fully on all sides.
• Avoid overpacking the freezer; blocked vents reduce airflow.
• If you have an ice maker installed, verify it is turned ON and the water supply is connected.

If you need replacement parts related to the freezer area, we list common options for this model, including the refrigerator ice maker IM116000 and cooling components.

You can also search by model number and order parts through Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Kenmore top-mount refrigerator model 25360412612, we clear a clogged defrost drain by unplugging the refrigerator, melting any ice at the freezer drain opening, then flushing the drain with hot water until it flows freely to the drain pan underneath. Use the 25360412612 owner's manual for safe handling and access notes.

• Unplug the refrigerator (controls off is not the same as unplugged).
• Empty the freezer floor area; remove the lower bin or shelf if it blocks access.
• Find the drain opening at the bottom rear of the freezer compartment (under/near the evaporator cover area).
• Melt visible ice with a hair dryer on low or by placing hot, damp towels over the drain area.
• Flush the drain with hot water using a turkey baster or squeeze bottle; repeat until it drains quickly.
• If needed, gently work a flexible pipe cleaner into the hole to break up sludge (do not force a rigid tool).
• Verify water reaches the drain pan under the cabinet and does not back up.

A defrost drain typically plugs up from a mix of ice and debris. Common causes include:

• Food particles or packaging bits washing into the drain
• Ice buildup from frequent door openings or humid air
• A mis-seated evaporator cover or blocked drain trough
• Door seal leaks that add moisture (warm air) to the freezer

A clogged defrost drain can refreeze into a solid ice plug and push meltwater into the freezer floor or fresh food section, leading to puddles, ice buildup, and temperature swings.

If you keep getting heavy frost or repeated icing that leads to drain problems, the defrost system may need attention:

• Refrigerator defrost heater 242044008
• Refrigerator defrost bi-metal thermostat 5303918634

For ordering replacement parts for model 25360412612, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common problems we see on Kenmore refrigerators like model 25360412612 are cooling issues (warm fridge or freezer), water leaks or puddles, door sealing and closing problems, ice maker troubles, and unusual noises. Many of these trace back to airflow restrictions, temperature settings, or defrost-system faults; use the owner's manual troubleshooting tables to match symptoms to the right fix.

• Not cooling or temperatures too warm: doors opened too often, door slightly open, controls set incorrectly, or airflow blocked by frost/ice buildup.
• Moisture or frost inside: hot/humid conditions, door left ajar, frequent door openings, or uncovered containers.
• Doors will not close: refrigerator not level, door closed too hard causing the other door to pop open, or bins/drawers not seated.
• Drawers hard to slide: food hitting the shelf above, dirty tracks/rollers, or drawer not installed on the track.
• No interior light: burned-out bulb or power not reaching the refrigerator (check the light section in the manual).

1. Confirm both doors fully seal and close gently.
2. Set temperatures to normal mid-range and wait 24 hours for stabilization after any adjustment.
3. Reduce door-open time and avoid overpacking so air can circulate.
4. Look for frost buildup on the freezer back wall (a common clue of a defrost or airflow problem).
5. Clean and dry any standing water; then watch where it returns (front, under crisper area, or near the freezer).

Most “warm refrigerator” and “frost/moisture” complaints are really airflow and sealing problems. When warm air leaks in or cold air cannot circulate, the compressor runs longer, temperatures swing, and you can get water, frost, odors, and noisy operation.

Last updated: February 2026